Permana

In the context of Indonesian philosophy and spirituality, Permana (often also written as Pramana) refers to a valid source of knowledge or means of knowing. It's a concept that outlines the various ways in which humans can attain reliable and justifiable understanding of reality. The specific pramanas considered valid can vary depending on the philosophical school or spiritual tradition being examined.

Commonly recognized pramanas in Indonesian philosophical discourse (influenced heavily by Hindu and Buddhist traditions) include:

• Pratyaksa (Perception): Knowledge gained through direct sensory experience. This encompasses sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

• Anumana (Inference): Knowledge derived through logical reasoning and deduction based on observed facts or established premises. This involves formulating arguments and drawing conclusions.

• Upamana (Analogy/Comparison): Knowledge obtained through comparison or analogy to something already known. Understanding something new by relating it to something familiar.

• Sabda (Testimony/Verbal Authority): Knowledge acquired through the words of reliable sources, such as scriptures, experts, or trustworthy individuals. The validity of sabda depends on the trustworthiness and competence of the source.

Different philosophical schools may emphasize different pramanas or include additional ones. The concept of Permana is crucial for understanding epistemology – the study of knowledge – within Indonesian intellectual traditions. It provides a framework for evaluating the reliability and validity of different sources of information and ultimately, guiding individuals in their pursuit of wisdom and understanding.